Seeing the Porter and Groit in the $100-150 range, I shopped Walmart and some of the auto stores. I'm finding $15-40 for their buffers. For instance: a Coleman (yes, the camping people) orbital buffer(4000rpm) at Walmart for $14.95. Or a cordless.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=47999
2500rpm for $39.95. The auto mgr at Wmart says the Porter and Groit are for pro detailers who use them for hours a day, every day. Obviously, I won't be.

My objective is light swirl removal on my '05.

So what's the story? Anyone have good results from the cheapos?

 

I've had a orbital cheapo for years which I got from Kragen if I remember right. 30-35 dollars and works great. Only use it about 4 times a year if that. I got it mainly to buff out a badly faded red paint job on one of my previous cars and it would bring the finish up almost as good as new with no swirls, scratches or burns.

 

BUMP

 

It depends on what you want to do. Some light swirls once or twice a year, you probably could use the cheapo. But this is like everything else, you will get what you pay for. The range of use for the PC is amazing, and what people can do with it with the right products is astonishing. But these are people who are gung ho on detailing and do not accept even the most minor of imperfections on their cars.

To get a true, expert opinion, ask your question on these two sites:

www.autopia.org
www.detailersclub.com

mb

 

Yeah, I'm curious too. I have a $25 Sears gift card that I need to use and they have a cheap Craftsman 6" random orbital that I was considering getting.

 

I have had a cheapo WMart type for a number of years. It does a good job of applying wax and buffing. However, last time I used it (on a Chevy Tahoe) I apparently over worked it and it stopped working for a long period.

I recently purchased the Meguairs model of the PC. It is awesome! it is very user friendly with adjustable speeds and easy to hold (hand holds). It also has a lifetime warranty, if anything ever goes wrong, they will replace it.

The cheapo's generally have a fixed pad. The PC have various cheap replacable pads and bonnets based on what you are trying to do.

I have had a problem using both of them for getting anything deeper than a light scratch out!

Choice is yours. Need to assess short/long term value, your use of it, re-configuration capabilities, etc.